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Tanning Booths & Skin Cancer

Ever wondered how tanning booths work? They use UV bulbs to emit radiation, which tan the skin. Why do you have to wear the protective goggles when in the tanning booth? It is because the UV rays can damage the cornea. In essence, UV rays are dangerous to tissues. A study conducted in 1994 by Swedish researchers proved that those who use tanning booths at age 35 or younger had double the risk of developing melanoma (one of the deadliest form of skin cancer.)

  1. Who is at Risk?

    • Anyone and everyone who visits tanning booths or gets exposed to natural radiation is at increased risk for skin cancer. The risk is greater if the person has blonde, red or light hair or blue, gray or green eyes. Why is this? The risk is proportional to the melanin content of the skin, and the lighter color of a blond person's skin is due to decreased melanin. Melanin is naturally protective against skin cancer. Those who get sunburned easily are at even more risk. People who have a close relative with skin cancer or those who have been treated for some form of skin cancer have a greater risk of getting melanoma, especially when using the tanning booths frequently. The frequency that puts someone at increased risk is just as little as more than once in a month.

    Dangers of Tanning Booths

    • Tanning booths are more dangerous than increased natural exposure. Tanning booths use Ultraviolet type A (UVA) rays, and UVA has been proved to be capable of causing skin cancer. Ultraviolet rays decrease the ability of the skin to heal. Interestingly, the UVA rays, which are more capable of causing deeper damage and more risk of developing skin cancer, actually cause lesser surface damage (sunburns, etc). In tanning booths, UVA rays are used to prevent sunburns but they are really more harmful.

    The Tanning Booth Myth

    • The popular myth is that by tanning in a booth just before the spring or summer, you can get a base tan that will be protective. In reality, this tanning increases the susceptibility of the skin to damage and decreases its healing potential against the natural radiation of the sun. Plus, excessive exposure to this radiation all year long increases your risk of skin cancer.

    How Much Exposure is Too Much?

    • We know that exposure to natural, as well as artificial, ultraviolet rays through tanning booths can cause increased risk for skin cancer, but the period for which people must be in the tanning booth to increase the risk is not known for sure. It is prudent to avoid tanning booths altogether, while also minimizing exposure to natural sunlight.

    Protecting Your Skin

    • Tanning booths represent a voluntary and intense exposure to UV rays. This should be avoided so that the risks can be avoided or lessened. Regarding exposure to the sun's rays, a sunscreen should be used. You should also avoid being outdoors when the sun is at its highest point in the sky (usually around noon) and should take extra care when near reflective surfaces, such as water, when you are being exposed to the sun.

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